What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
If your eyes often feel scratchy, irritated, or tired, you may be dealing with dry eye. This happens when your tears do not do their job of keeping your eyes hydrated, comfortable, and protected. The result can be burning, irritation, or even blurry vision that makes everyday life less enjoyable.
Dry eye is common, especially as we get older, but that does not mean you have to live with it. At Advanced EyeCare & Aesthetics, we look at the bigger picture. Our team takes time to understand why your eyes feel dry and builds a personalized plan to bring you lasting comfort.
With innovative treatments and supportive care, we aim to help you see more clearly, feel better, and even look refreshed. Book your dry eye appointment today and let us help you find relief and confidence, inside and out.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Several factors can contribute to dry eye symptoms, including:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): When oil glands that line the eyelids become blocked, tears evaporate too quickly.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation along the eyelids can disrupt the glands that support the tear film.
- Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age.
- Medications or health conditions: Certain systemic factors can interfere with tear quality or production.
The Role of a Healthy Tear Film
Every time you blink, a protective tear film spreads across the surface of your eyes. This film has 3 essential layers:
- Oil: Prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Water: Washes away debris and provides hydration.
- Mucus: Ensures even tear distribution across the eye’s surface.
When one of these layers is out of balance, your eyes may feel dry, irritated, or uncomfortable. A stable tear film is vital for both eye comfort and long-term vision health.
Aqueous Dry Eye and Evaporative Dry Eye
There are 2 main types of dry eye:
- Aqueous Dry Eye: Occurs when the watery layer of your tears is insufficient. Causes can include autoimmune conditions, hormonal changes, or medications.
- Evaporative Dry Eye: Happens when the oil layer of your tears is disrupted, often due to meibomian gland dysfunction, leading to rapid tear evaporation.
Our team can help diagnose and create a treatment plan to help you find relief.
Our Dry Eye Treatments
We can help you find relief through our different dry eye treatments. The first step is scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with our team so we can learn more about the root cause of your dry eye symptoms.
Following a thorough exam, we can prepare a personalized treatment plan to help you regain comfort.
Decreased Tear Production
OptiLIGHT by Lumenis is a light-based, noninvasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL treatment FDA-approved for dry eye management.
The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.
OptiLIGHT uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency (RF) treatment uses gentle heat to target the root cause of dry eye in many cases: clogged oil glands that line the eyelids. These glands normally produce a thin layer of oil that keeps tears from evaporating too quickly. Tears dry out faster when clogged, leading to irritation, scratchiness, and blurry vision.
With clearer glands, your eyes can produce natural tears for lasting comfort.
Meibomian Gland Expression
Meibomian gland expression can clear blocked meibomian glands, improving oil flow into your tears. During your visit, our team will apply gentle pressure along your eyelids. This pressure can help clear blockages within your tear glands and address meibomian gland dysfunction.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs can help manage dry eye when your tears are draining from your eyes too quickly. These tiny devices are placed into your tear ducts to slow down how fast tears leave the surface of your eyes.
There are 2 types of punctal plugs:
- Temporary or dissolving: These plugs are usually made of collagen and naturally dissolve in a few days or months.
- Semi-permanent: These plugs are made of medical plastics and designed for long-term use. Your eye doctor can remove these plugs if needed.
Eye Drops and Other Treatments
Other treatment options we offer include:
- Artificial Tears: These lubricating eye drops are a common first line of defense, mimicking your natural tears.
- Omega-3 Supplements: Fatty acids may help ease dry eye symptoms. Consider incorporating fish, flaxseed, or supplements into your routine.
- Eyelid Sprays and Masks: These can help remove debris and unclog oil glands that can contribute to dry eys.
Lasting Dry Eye Relief Starts Here
Dry eye can do more than cause irritation; it can affect how you work, relax, and even enjoy the little moments in your day. At Advanced EyeCare & Aesthetics, we go beyond quick fixes to uncover what your eyes truly need. From in-office therapies to personalized lifestyle recommendations, our goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident again.
Healthy eyes not only support your vision but can also enhance your overall sense of wellness and even how refreshed you look.
Take the first step toward lasting relief today, and let us help you protect your vision, restore comfort, and bring balance back to your eyes.
Our Services
Come Visit Us in Plymouth
We are located on the northeast corner of East Mill Street and North Stafford Street. We have ample parking, including accessible parking spaces, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance at the rear of the building.
Our Address
- 300 East Mill St.
- Plymouth, WI 53073
Contact Information
- Phone: 920-893-8474
- Fax: 920-893-8814
- Email: contactus@advancedeyecareplymouth.com
Our Hours
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: By Appointment Only
- Sunday: Closed
Our Brands
Discover a blend of style, comfort, and clarity with our extensive collection of eyeglass frames and lenses.
Whether you’re seeking the durability and flexibility for everyday wear or the luxury and elegance for special occasions, we have you covered.
Embrace quality. Enjoy clarity. Experience Advanced EyeCare & Aesthetics.
